News

Last Updated: Monday, March 02, 2015 3:52:14 PM

By JOSHUA THOMAS
For the Recorder

CANAJOHARIE -- On Saturday, the best young musicians in Montgomery County came together during the 60th Annual All-County Music Festival to highlight year-round work by dedicated students and teachers to elevate each district's musical programming.
The Montgomery County Music Teachers Association meets once a month starting each fall to organize the annual All-County Music Festival, which is held in a different district each year, Saturday's concert taking plac ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015 10:31:03 AM

By CAROLINE MURRAY
For the C-S-E

PALATINE -- Town hall reached maximum occupancy Wednesday night, as dozens of residents again faced their elected representatives with concerns about a proposed plan to build a new municipal complex.
A resolution to amend a zoning law to start construction of a new town hall was tabled until next month's meeting to give council members time to review the amendment with the planning board.
Once the zoning law is approved, town attorney Robert Subik said it could ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015 10:29:15 AM

By CAROLINE MURRAY
For the C-S-E
FONDA -- The Montgomery County Legislature approved a $250,000 lawsuit settlement regarding the sanitary sewer district's operation on private property in Palatine.
At a meeting Tuesday, legislators passed a resolution stating the county will not pay the settlement; rather, Sanitary Sewer District No. 1 is responsible.
The resolution authorizes Executive Matthew Ossenfort to sign an agreement that settles the suit filed in 2009 by Fort Plain resident Kimberly L. ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015 10:27:00 AM

By JOSHUA THOMAS
C-S-E Editor

FORT PLAIN -- Fort Plain Central School District Superintendent of Schools Douglas C. Burton and his wife, Family Consumer Science Teacher Maria Burton, have announced their retirement as of June 30, 2015.
The couple has a combined 25 years in the district, Burton stepping into the superintendent position in November, 2001 after spending 18 years as principal in various districts, while Maria has been at FPCSD for 11 years, beginning her employment in September of ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015 10:26:39 AM

By JOSHUA THOMAS
C-S-E Editor

ST. JOHNSVILLE -- On Saturday, weather hampered attendance at the inceptional Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Alumni Basketball Game, though the rapidly accumulating snow outside didn't stop 40 alumni from playing three fun, heartfelt games.
Though the weather was pretty bad outside from the second the athletes began arriving to set up, the gymnasium's bleachers were each peppered with a respectable crowd of enthusiastic onlookers, who spent the snowy evening che ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015 3:36:21 AM

By DEBORAH BUCK
For the C-S-E

FLAT CREEK -- At the Root Town Council meeting February 11, Deputy Supervisor LuEmma Quackenbush (in town supervisor Gary Kamp’s absence) announced that the Rural Grove Fire Department is requesting that residents remove snow from their house numbers so that they are visible in the event of an emergency.
Assessor Robert Harris reported that New York State has requested that municipalities declare their assessment bases early. Harris said he will be declaring ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015 3:35:41 AM

By JOSHUA THOMAS
C-S-E Editor

FORT PLAIN -- The brand new GAVAC Fort Plain Station at 25 Hancock Street has been operational since the week before Christmas, regularly housing an eight member crew, with at least two people manning the station 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The facility contains a garage that can easily house two vehicles, along with numerous comfortable spaces including a living area with recliners and a television, male and female bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and a compu ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015 3:33:39 AM

By JOSHUA THOMAS
C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE -- A pair of local brothers, Dominic and Joseph Mazzarella, are suing Canajoharie Police Officer Brian Beardsley, along with the village of Canajoharie, Mayor Francis E. Avery and Police Chief Bryan MacFadden, alleging that they've been the victims of continued harassment by Beardsley and Canajoharie Police Department officers, and that nothing has been done to remedy the situation.
In a 14 page complaint filed with the United States District Court of t ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015 3:32:09 AM

By JOSHUA THOMAS
C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE -- On Monday evening, school district officials from Canajoharie, Fort Plain and Amsterdam gathered in Canajoharie High School to discuss state school funding inefficiencies caused by Gap Elimination Adjustment and the current foundation aid formula.
An email invitation to Monday’s meeting was submitted to all Montgomery County school districts, and to Sharon Springs Central School District in Schoharie County, as each of these districts has lost ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 2:10:51 AM

By NICOLE ANTONUCCI
For the C-S-E

A foreclosure list submitted by the city of Amsterdam to Montgomery County Court last month identified 604 tax delinquent properties with a total of $13,397,104 owed in back taxes.
City Controller Matthew Agresta said Friday that after breaking down the taxes between the city, Montgomery County, and the Greater Amsterdam School District, the tax amount owed to the city totals $5,598,466, with another $4,456,492 owed for penalties and interest.
At least half of ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 2:10:04 AM

By CAROLINE MURRAY
For the C-S-E

FONDA -- The Montgomery County Legislature is considering a resolution that will approve a $250,000 lawsuit settlement regarding the sanitary sewer district's operation on property in Palatine.
At a Budget and Finance Committee meeting last Tuesday, officials moved a resolution to authorize Executive Matthew Ossenfort to sign an agreement that settles a lawsuit filed by Fort Plain resident Kimberly L. Patterson in 2009.
The suit, filed against the county, county ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 2:07:22 AM

-- Canajoharie
Twenty Years Ago
Members of the Canajoharie Central School Board of Education completed a comprehensive assessment of academic accomplishments, needs and goals at the recent meeting. Topics discussed at the meeting included accelerated programs [including the Gifted and Talented program], curriculum development, career awareness, and student/community awareness of civic responsibilities.
Kathy Van Loan has been nominated to represent the Canajoharie Central School District in the 1995 Sallie Mae First Year Teacher Award co ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:59:47 AM

ST. JOHNSVILLE -- The St. Johnsville Senior Saints met at the Community House on Wednesday, February 18, for a special event. Following the Ash Wednesday fish luncheon, a special program, "Let's Make a (Small) Deal" was presented by Activity Director Barbara Croce, assisted by Cathy Miles.
Several items and cash prizes were offered with members given fun chances to win.
The group's next regular meeting is Wednesday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m. March birthdays will be celebrated. New members and guests ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:57:37 AM

PALATINE BRIDGE -- A joint celebration was hosted by the Palatine Nursing Home and Arkell Hall Adult Home of Canajoharie on Tuesday, February 10 to mark the century birthday of Sarah A. Smith.
Smith celebrated her birthday with friends old and new, reminiscing about her life's memories over refreshments.
Smith was born in the village of Schoharie to Ella and Oakley Eldredge. She was raised in Cobleskill, where she worked for a number of years at her father's diner. In 1938, Sarah married Archie ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:55:23 AM

Michael and Susan Gray, of Amsterdam, NY announce the engagement of their daughter, Sandra Elizabeth Gray to Benjamin Kelly, son of Don and Anoel Kelly, of Schuyler Lake, NY.
Sandra and Ben met while attending college in Herkimer, NY in the spring of 2011.
Sandra is currently attending R.I.T. in Rochester, NY. She is due to graduate with a BFA degree in Professional Photographic Illustration, majoring in Advertising Photography from R.I.T in May of this year.
Benjamin is a 2014 graduate of R.I.T ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:53:43 AM

Otis is a male mixed breed, 10- to 12-years-old. He was found on Moyer St., Canajoharie on February 13. He's a gentle old soul, very lovable. He's in good condition except for the arthritis in his back legs.
Snowball is a glorious neutered male, 5- to 6-years-old. He arrived at the shelter on February 19. He's a cuddlebug who loves people.
If anyone is interested in adopting either Otis or Snowball, please call the shelter or visit their website: ayresanimalshelter.com.

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:51:19 AM

CANAJOHARIE -- The Canajoharie Senior Citizens celebrated Valentine's Day Friday, Feb. 13, by playing Valentine's Day bingo following their meeting. Refreshments and fellowship were enjoyed after bingo.
After the seniors' Jan. 23 meeting, Canajoharie Mayor Francis Avery gave an interesting up-to-date talk on Canajoharie, including the status of the demolition of the Beech-Nut warehouses, a $600,000 grant received to assist lower-income homeowners to make necessary structural repairs, and the pos ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:50:34 AM

CANAJOHARIE -- The following news from Arkell Hall Adult Home is for Feb. 15 through Feb. 21:
Presidents Day was celebrated all week with special events.
First, a Mardi Gras celebration took place Tuesday, Feb. 17, at "Breakfast with our Senior Neighbors" at Arkell Center, during which Activities Director Linda Klump shared the history of Mardi Gras.
On the afternoon of Feb. 17, Carolyn Crouch and her husband, Don, shared a slide presentation of Washington, D.C., Arlington Cemetery, and a video ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:49:50 AM

LATHAM -- Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Austin Filmer, of Fort Plain, serving with the 206th Military Police Company, has been promoted to the rank of Private First Class.
Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.
The ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:38:25 AM

CANAJOHARIE -- The Empty Pockets Band will play a Coffee House event at St. John's and St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 143 Church St., on Sunday, March 8, from 2-4 p.m. Suggested donation is $5 at the door. Free coffee and drinks. Plenty of homemade snacks available for purchase. The proceeds will benefit No Kid Hungry.

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:36:54 AM

Special to the C-S-E
By SALLY JEAN TAYLOR

March is National Music Month. I read somewhere that the word music comes from the Greek word muses, a sisterhood of spirit goddesses who ruled over the arts and inspired the creative process and that the word music was first used in reference to poetry sung to music. But upon further exploration, I learned that there is a lot of interesting history pertaining to this word.
Whatever the origin, the muses will be crowding into the Fort Plain ...

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 1:35:59 AM

-- American Legion baseball seeking players
ST. JOHNSVILLE -- There will be an organizational meeting for American Legion summer baseball Saturday, March 21 at Morris J. Edwards Post #168. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m.
American Legion baseball is open to two age groups; 19 and under for seniors and 17 and under for juniors. Those interested in playing must bring a copy of their birth certificate, be accompanied by a parent and have a strong desire to play in a first-rate program.
For further ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2015 10:21:41 AM

By JOSHUA THOMAS
C-S-E Editor

FORT PLAIN -- During an informal meet and greet Tuesday evening, village mayoral candidate Tolga Morawski and village board trustee candidates Robert Perry and Louis deAraujo outlined the reasons they decided to run against longstanding village Mayor Guy Barton and trustees Loring Dutcher and Rodney Strait in the upcoming election, citing a need for change, increased visibility and revitalization.
"We have all these assets," said Morawski of the village, explaining ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2015 10:20:56 AM

By JOSHUA THOMAS
C-S-E Editor

ST. JOHNSVILLE -- Friday, New York State Supreme Court Judge Felix J. Catena ruled that Opflex Environmental Technologies LLC. may temporarily remain in the 12 New St. building that St. Johnsville Court Justice Scott Cook had previously ordered the business to vacate by Feb. 14.
Catena ordered the company to put $90,000 in escrow as it moves forward with its appeal of the Feb. 4 eviction. It's unclear how long the temporary stay will remain in effect.
The company's ...

Last Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2015 4:44:56 AM

By CAROLINE MURRAY
For the C-S-E

FONDA -- The Montgomery County Legislature is considering a contract for food services at the jail.
At a recent Public Safety Committee meeting, a resolution was moved to the full panel, that if approved, would authorize County Executive Matthew Ossenfort to sign an agreement with Trinity Services Group Inc.
Public Safety Committee Chairman Joseph Isabel, District 8 legislator, said four to five other food service companies submitted responses to a request for p ...

Sports

By ADAM SHINDER
For the C-S-E
CANAJOHARIE -- Creating turnovers is the lifeblood of the Canajoharie High School girls basketball team. It's no surprise, then, that a couple of steals in crunch time are what kept the Cougars' Section II Class C playoff run going Tuesday night against Stillwater.
In a game where scoring was at a premium, Canajoharie's full-court press proved to be the deciding factor. With the Cougars' nursing a one-point lead in the final minute, Jordyn Logan and Dainara Veeder b ...

JOHNSTOWN -- A couple more breaks, and the Canajoharie High School girls basketball team might have been the squad celebrating with the Western Athletic Conference Cup trophy Tuesday night at Fulton-Montgomery Community College, rather than packing their bags, pulling on their jackets and preparing for a frustrated bus ride back home.
Down the stretch against the unbeaten Mekeel Christian Academy Lady Lions, the Cougars couldn't get anything to fall their way.
On t ...

JOHNSTOWN -- Mike Mann knocked down six 3-pointers on his way to a team-high 20 points, and the Mekeel Christian Academy Lions placed five players in double figures while racing to an 83-52 victory over Canajoharie in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference Cup Friday night at Fulton-Montgomery Community College.
Scott Voelker added 16 points for MCA, while Damonte White scored 14.
Deonte Holder and Carter Stewart chipped in 10 points apiece as the Lions led 39-27 at halftime and blew ...

-- The Fort Plain and Gloversville Police Departments, with help from News Channel 6 PERP patrol, were able to apprehend Paul A. Marriott, who was hiding out in the city of Gloversville.
Marriott was ...

-- Kirk Hoensheldt, 55, of Sprakers, was charged with second-degree menacing following a traffic stop in the town of Amsterdam. Hoensheldt allegedly brandished a knife to another driver during an altercation ...